Bahá’í Quotes

Names - Persian

Persians of the nineteenth century did not use surnames. Men were given proper names, such as Muhammad, Husayn, or Ibrahim, and often more then one -- Muhammad-'Ali, or Rida-Quli. Many times the second name was one of the ninety-nine Most Beauteous Names of God, from the Qur'án. For example, 'Abdu'r-Rahim [Servant of the All-Merciful].To distinguish one individual from another, titles and descriptions would be added to the given name. Haji Muhammad-Hasan Isfahani, for example, would indicate the man from Isfahan named Muhammad-Hasan who had made the pilgrimage to Mecca; Ustad Mahmud Banna would designate the Mahmud who was the master builder; and so forth.The following are a few of the many titles and description added to Persian names:Aqa: Sir, mister. General term of respect.Darvish: A Muslim mystic. Often a wandering, mendicant ascetic whotraditionally carries an ax and a begging bowl (kashkul).Haji: One who had made the Muslim pilgrimage.Kashi: Someone from KashanMirza: A general term of respect which usually indicates that the onedesignated is literate. Used after the name it indicates a prince.  134Mulla: A Muslim priest.Shaykh: An elder; a chief; a professor; or the head of a dervish order.Siyyid: A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.Ustad: A master craftsman.

- Ustad Muhammad-'Aliy-i Salmani, My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 134-135

Quote of the Day

Istiqlal 11 Sharaf 182 B.E.

The one reason I wish to live is that I may reveal Thy Cause, and I seek the continuance of life only that I may be touched by adversity in Thy path.

Bahá’u’lláh – Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, p. 147